Treatment of hair by addition of exogenous enzymes, alcohols and acids or triglycerides

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compositions for treating keratin materials by adding at least one exogenous enzyme, long-chain alcohols, and long-chain acids or triglycerides, which gives rise to an enzymatic reaction directly on the hair, and to methods of treating hair which employ these compositions.

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions for treatingkeratin materials by adding at least one exogenous enzyme, long-chainalcohols, and long-chain acids or triglycerides, which gives rise to anenzymatic reaction directly on the hair, and to methods of treating hairwhich employ these compositions.

[0002] The hair is subject to continual aggressive influences, which maymake it brittle, difficult to disentangle or dull. It is thereforeimportant to find products capable of conditioning the hair and soleaving it easy to style, supple, soft to the touch, and lustrous. Itwould also be advantageous for the properties of softness and sheen ofthese products to persist over a number of shampooings.

[0003] It has been observed that the soft and shiny appearance of thetreated fibre is particularly great if long-chain esters are applied tothe hair.

[0004] Proposals have already been made to use enzymes as conditioningagents for the hair. Such compositions are described in particular inthe patent application WO 00/64405, in which the composition whichenhances the appearance of the hair requires the presence of anendogenous enzyme which is present in the hair fibre.

[0005] The patent application DE 1 982 474 describes the use ofexogenous enzymes with the aim of reversing the process of sebumhydrolysis through reesterification of the glycerol and of the sebumfatty acids which are generated in situ.

[0006] Other hair treatment compositions whose method involves anenzymatic reaction have been described, particularly in the patentapplications EP 293 0 01, JP 081 173 787 and EP 391 431.

[0007] The applicant has found that the in situ formation of fattyesters by combining long-chain acids or triglycerides, long-chainalcohols and at least one or more exogenous enzymes which are capable ofbringing about an esterification reaction enhances the soft and shinyappearance of the hair fibre thus treated, makes it easy to style, andimparts to it manageability.

[0008] The applicant has further found, surprisingly, that when theesterification or transesterification reaction is carried out in situdirectly on the hair the result for the keratin materials in terms ofsheen and softness is greater than simply depositing the correspondingesters synthesized on their own. Furthermore, these properties areconserved after a number of shampooings.

[0009] The invention additionally provides a method of treating hairwhich employs these compositions.

[0010] Further subject-matter of the present application will emergeupon reading the description and examples which follow.

[0011] The cosmetic compositions of the invention comprise at least onealcohol of formula R₁—OH, in which R₁ is an optionally substituted,saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₂ alkyl group withor without polyethoxylation, at least one acid of general formulaR₂—COOH, in which R₂ is an optionally substituted, saturated orunsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₁ alkyl group, with the numberof carbon atoms in (R₁+R₂) 8, or at least one triglyceride, and at leastone exogenous enzyme capable of inducing an esterification reaction.

[0012] The cosmetic compositions of the invention comprise at least onealcohol of formula R₁—OH, in which R₁ is an optionally substituted,saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₂ alkyl group withor without polyethoxylation, at least one acid of general formulaR₂—COOH, in which R₂ is an optionally substituted, saturated orunsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₁ alkyl group, with the numberof carbon atoms in (R₁+R₂) 8, and at least one enzyme capable ofinducing an esterification reaction.

[0013] The cosmetic compositions of the invention comprise at least onealcohol of formula R₁—OH, in which R₁ is an optionally substituted,saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₂ alkyl group withor without polyethoxylation, at least one triglyceride, and at least oneexogenous enzyme capable of inducing an esterification reaction.

[0014] The alcohols which may be used in accordance with the inventionare selected in particular from the following alcohols: hexanol,2-ethylhexanol, octanol, 2-butyl-octanol, nonanol, decanol,2-hexyldecanol, undecanol, dodecanol, 2-octyidodecanol, tridecanol,tetradecanol, 2-decyltetradecanol, pentadecanol, hexadecanol,2-dodecylhexadecanol, octadecanol, 2-tetradecyl-octadecanol,nonadecanol, tricosanol, hexacosanol, triacontanol, arachinyl, behenyl,lignoceryl, palmitoleyl, oleyl, elaidyl, ricinoleyl, linoleyl,linolenyl, arachidonyl and erucyl alcohols, polyethoxylated alcoholssuch as polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether andpolyoxyethylene stearyl ether, and the derivatives sold under the name“Brij” by the company ICI.

[0015] The acids which can be used in accordance with the invention areselected in particular from the following acids: hexanoic, heptanoic,octanoic, pelargonic, decanoic, undecanoic, dodecanoic, tetradecanoic,hexadecanoic, octadecanoic, eicosanoic, docosanoic, tetracosanoic,hexacosanoic, triacontanoic, undecenoic, palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic,elaidic, linoleic, linolenic, ricinoleic, arachidonic, erucic,brassidic, nervonic, stearic, 12-hydroxystearic, isostearic,2-butyloctanoic, 2-hexyldecanoic, 2-decylmyristic, 2-laurylhexadecanoic,2-tetradecyloctadecanoic, 2-pentadecylnonadecanoic,2-hexadecyleicosanoic and 2-octyidodecanoic acids.

[0016] The triglycerides which can be used in accordance with theinvention are selected in particular from the following triglycerides:glycerol trihexanoate, glycerol tricaprylate, glycerol trinonanoate,glycerol tridecanoate, glycerol triundecanoate, glycerol tri-laurate,glycerol tripentadecanoate, glycerol trimy-ristate, glyceroltridecanoate, glycerol tripalmitate, glycerol tristearate, glyceroltriarachidonate, gly-cerol tribehenate, glyceroltri(cis-9-tetradecenoate), glycerol tri(cis-9-hexadecenoate), glyceroltri(transhexadecenoate), glycerol trioleate, glyceroltri(trans-9-octadecenoate), glyceroltri(cis,cis-9,12-octadeca-dienoate), glyceroltri(cis,cis,cis,cis-5,8,11,14-eico-satetraenoate), glyceroltri(cis-13-docosenoate), glycerol tri(cis-15-tetracosenoate), andtriglycerides of coprah oil, palm oil, soya oil, jojoba oil, colza oil,palm kernel oil, almond oil, castor oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil,borage oil, and corn germ oil, callow triglycerides, cocoa butter andkarite butter.

[0017] These products are marketed in particular by the company Sigma.

[0018] The enzymes capable of inducing esterification are selected inparticular from lipases, esterases and proteases. They may be eitherfree or immobilized on various supports.

[0019] As proteases in accordance with the invention mention may bemade, inter alia, of proteases of animal origin (pepsin, chymotrypsin,trypsin, rennin, pancreatin, collagenase, elastase, etc.), proteases ofplant origin (papain, chymopapain, bromelain, ficin, etc.) or proteasesof microbial origin (of fungal, bacterial or yeast origin, such asAspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus or Mucor, etc.); these variousproteases are marketed by the companies Amano, Novo, Sigma, Boehringer,Nagase, Green Cross Corp., etc.

[0020] As lipases according to the invention mention may be made, interalia, of lipases of animal origin (pancreatic lipase, lipase from milk,etc.), lipases of plant or microbial (fungal, bacterial or yeast) originsuch as the fungal lipases from Mucor miehi, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopusarrhizus, Rhizopus delemar, Rhizopus japonicus, Rhizopus oryzae,Rhizopus sp., Geotrichum candidum, etc., the bacterial lipases fromChromobacterium viscosum, Arthrobacter ureafaciens, Achromobacter sp.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas sp.,Alcaligenes sp., etc., the yeast lipases from Candida cylindracea,Candida rugosa, Candida lipolytica, Candida antarctica, etc. Thesevarious lipases are marketed by the companies Amano, Novo, Sigma, Fluka,Biocatalysts, Godo Shusei, Meito sangyo, etc.

[0021] As esterases in accordance with the invention mention may bemade, inter alia, of pig liver esterases, rabbit liver esterases andpancreatic esterases, which are marketed by the company Sigma.

[0022] A large number of industrial enzymes useful to the invention areset out in the book “Industrial enzymes and their applications” byHelmuth UHLIG, 1998, John WILEY Inc., New York. Enzymes may whereappropriate also be obtained from genetic recombinations (recombinantenzymes).

[0023] When these enzymes are used in support-immobilized form, a verylarge number of supports are possible, such as, inter alia, resins, thediatomaceous earth with the brand name Celite, Nylon, porous glass,cellulose, polyethylene glycol, etc., and are set out in the Journal ofthe American Oil Chemists' Society, 1990, Vol. 67, No. 12, pp. 890-910;among these it is possible to retain the Lipozymes RM IM, IM 60, andNovozym 435 from NOVO Nordisk.

[0024] The amount of enzymes present in the cosmetic composition of theinvention is between 0.0001 and 50% by weight relative to the weight ofthe mixture by weight of acids and alcohols or of triglycerides andalcohols. The amount of enzymes is preferably between 0.1 and 20% byweight relative to the weight of the mixture by weight of acids andalcohols or of triglycerides and alcohols.

[0025] In the cosmetic composition of the invention the proportion ofacids may vary between 1 and 99% relative to the mixture by weight ofacids and alcohols. Preferably the proportion of acids may vary between30 and 70% relative to the mixture by weight of acids and alcohols.

[0026] In the cosmetic composition of the invention the proportion oftriglycerides may vary between 1 and 99% relative to the mixture byweight of alcohols and triglycerides. Preferably the proportion oftriglycerides may vary between 30 and 70% relative to the mixture byweight of alcohols and triglycerides.

[0027] In the cosmetic composition of the invention the proportion ofalcohols may vary between 1 and 99% relative to the mixture by weight ofacids and alcohols or of triglycerides and alcohols.

[0028] Preferably the proportion of alcohols may vary between 30 and 70%relative to the mixture by weight of acids and alcohols or oftriglycerides and alcohols.

[0029] Besides the abovementioned mandatory constituents, thecomposition of the invention may comprise adjuvants selected fromcarbonic oils, silicone oils, fluoro oils, gelling agents, thickeners,emollients, softeners, antioxidants, opacifiers, stabilizers, ionic,non-ionic or amphoteric polymers, vitamins, perfumes, preservatives,dyes, pigments or any other adjuvant which is commonly used incosmetology and is compatible with the enzyme or enzymes that are used.

[0030] The cosmetic composition of the invention is in the form oflotions, gels or creams intended for rinsing or otherwise.

[0031] The invention further provides a device comprising a plurality ofcompartments (at least two) each containing one or two of the followingcomponents:

[0032] one or more alcohols of formula R₁—OH in which R₁ is anoptionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C₃to C₃₂ alkyl group with or without polyethoxylation,

[0033] one or more acids of general formula R₂—COOH in which R₂ is anoptionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C₃to C₃₁ alkyl group, with the number of carbons in (R₁+R₂) 8, or one ormore triglycerides,

[0034] one or more exogenous enzymes capable of inducing esterification,the entirety of the device comprising at least one acid, an alcohol or atriglyceride and an enzyme. The various components of the device aremixed immediately prior to use.

[0035] The invention further provides for the use of the compositions ofthe invention for imparting a soft, shiny and easy-to-style appearanceto the hair fibre.

[0036] The invention additionally provides a method of cosmeticallytreating the hair to impart a soft and shiny appearance to the fibre.The way in which the cosmetic compositions of the invention are used isas follows: the acids, the alcohols or the triglycerides and the enzymesare mixed immediately prior to use (between 1 second and 5 minutes) andthe resulting composition is applied immediately to the keratin fibres,is left to act for from 1 to 60 minutes at a temperature between 20 and65° C., preferably between 30 and 65° C., and is rinsed with water whereappropriate.

[0037] A further subject of the invention is that the treatment methodinvolves an esterification or transesterification reaction which takesplace in situ on the hair.

[0038] The examples which follow are intended to illustrate theinvention without, however, exhibiting any limitative character.

EXAMPLE 1

[0039] Remanence Measured for an Acid/alcohol/enzyme Reaction Effectedin situ on the Hair

[0040] The locks of hair used are selected for the quality of thechromatographed sebum.

[0041] In a 200 ml wide-necked flask a mixture is formed from

[0042] 380 mg of C₁₂ linear fatty alcohol

[0043] 380 mg of C₁₄ linear fatty alcohol

[0044] 190 mg of C₁₂ saturated linear fatty acid

[0045] 190 mg of C₁₄ saturated linear fatty acid

[0046] 190 mg of C₁₆ saturated linear fatty acid

[0047] 230 mg of C₁₈ monounsaturated linear fatty acid

[0048] 150 mg of C₂₂ monounsaturated linear fatty acid

[0049] and is heated at 50° C. until a homogeneous solution is obtained,at which point 0.5 ml of water and 120 mg of immobilized Lipozyme RM IMenzyme are added. The mixture is agitated vigorously twice for 2 minutesand deposited on a 0.5 g lock of hair which is wound up at the bottom ofthe flask, which is brought to 38° C. for 30 minutes. The lock issubsequently withdrawn and rinsed copiously under the tap at 40° C. Itis subsequently washed in two phases with Dop shampoo at 3% (2 mltwice). After rinsing, it is dried under a hairdryer.

[0050] 5 portions of 1 cm of 5 different hair samples are cut at themiddle of the hair, which has been measured beforehand, and areintroduced into the intake of a Hewlett-Packard 5890 series II gaschromatograph. Number of shampooings Remanence to Dop-brand shampoo at3% after treatment (expressed as μg of wax per g of hair) 1 500 3 400 5250 7 200

[0051] This experiment shows that after 5 shampooings, at least 50% ofthe waxes deposited are still fixed on the hair. The products do in factexhibit remanence for up to 7 shampooings.

EXAMPLE 2

[0052] Remanence Measured for a Triglyceride/alcohol/enzyme ReactionEffected in situ on the Hair:

[0053] In a 200 ml wide-necked flask a mixture is formed from

[0054] 0.4 g of colza oil

[0055] 0.4 g of coprah oil

[0056] 0.4 g of palm oil

[0057] 1 g of dodecanol

[0058] 1 g of tetradecanol.

[0059] The mixture is subsequently heated at 50° C. until a homogeneoussolution is obtained and then 1.2 ml of water and 300 mg of immobilizedRM IM enzyme are added.

[0060] The mixture is agitated vigorously twice for 2 minutes thendeposited on a lock of 1.3 g of hair which is wound up at the bottom ofthe flask. The flask is brought to 38° C. for 30 minutes. The lock issubsequently withdrawn and rinsed copiously under the tap at 40° C. Itis subsequently washed twice with Dop-brand shampoo at 3% (2 ml twice).After rinsing, it is dried under a hairdryer.

[0061] 5 portions of 1 cm of 5 different hair samples are cut at themiddle of the hair, which has been measured beforehand, and areintroduced into the intake of a Hewlett-Packard 5890 series II gaschromatograph. Remanence to Dop-brand Number of shampooings shampoo at3% (expressed as μg of after treatment fatty acid esters per g of hair)1 3000  3 300 5 200 7 200

[0062] The products exhibit remanence for up to 7 shampooings.

EXAMPLE 3

[0063] Remanence Measured if the Acid/alcohol/enzyme Solution isPrepared Beforehand

[0064] The aim of this experiment is to verify whether theacid/alcohol/enzyme solution is as effective in terms of remanence onthe hair if it has been prepared in advance instead of extemporaneously.

[0065] In a beaker, a mixture is formed from:

[0066] 760 mg of C₁₂ alcohol

[0067] 760 mg of C₁₄ alcohol

[0068] 380 mg of C₁₂ fatty acid

[0069] 380 mg of C₁₄ fatty acid

[0070] 380 mg of C₁₆ fatty acid

[0071] 500 mg of C₁₈ monounsaturated fatty acid

[0072] 50 mg of C₂₂ monounsaturated fatty acid

[0073] 1 ml of water

[0074] and 240 mg of Lipozyme RM IM.

[0075] The mixture obtained is placed in an oven at 38° C. for 30minutes.

[0076] The remanence to shampooing is studied in the same way as inexperiment 1.

[0077] The chromatograph of the lotion obtained in the beaker shows thatthe waxes have formed before they are deposited on the hair. Moreover,after shampooing with Dop at 3%, less than 100 μg of waxes have remainedon the hair. And, after 5 washes, there are no longer any detectableremanent waxes.

EXAMPLE 4

[0078] Remanence Measured if the Triglyceride/alcohol/enzyme Solution isPrepared Beforehand

[0079] The aim of this experiment is to verify whether thetriglyceride/alcohol/enzyme solution is as effective in terms ofremanence on the hair if it has been prepared in advance instead ofextemporaneously.

[0080] In a 200 ml wide-necked flask a mixture is formed from

[0081] 0.4 g of colza oil

[0082] 0.4 g of coprah oil

[0083] 0.4 g of palm oil

[0084] 1 g of dodecanol

[0085] 1 g of tetradecanol.

[0086] The mixture is subsequently heated at 50° C. until a homogeneoussolution is obtained and then 1.2 ml of water and 300 mg of immobilizedenzyme RM IM are added.

[0087] The mixture is agitated vigorously twice for 2 minutes thenplaced at 38° C. for 30 minutes in an oven.

[0088] The chromatograph of the lotion obtained in the flask shows thatthe waxes have formed before being deposited on the hair.

[0089] The remanence to shampooing is studied in the same way as inexperiment 1.

[0090] After 1 shampooing there are less than 100 μg of fatty acidesters per gram of hair. After 5 shampooings, the remanent fatty acidesters are at the detection limit.

EXAMPLE 5

[0091] Evaluation of the Action of Lipozyme RM IM on the Deposition ofWaxes on the Hair

[0092] The same experiment as that described in example 1 was conductedin the presence or absence of immobilized enzyme Lipozyme RM IM in thesolution to be deposited on the hair.

[0093] The chromatography profiles show that in the absence of LipozymeRM IM there is no formation of waxes on the hair.

EXAMPLE 6

[0094] Evaluation of the Action of Lipozyme RM IM on the Deposition ofFatty Acid Esters on the Hair

[0095] The same experiment as that described in example 2 was conductedin the presence or absence of immobilized enzyme Lipozyme RM IM in thesolution to be deposited on the hair.

[0096] The chromatography profiles show that in the absence of LipozymeRM IM there is no formation of fatty acid esters on the hair.

EXAMPLE 7

[0097] Evaluation of the Action of Exogenous Fatty Acids on theDeposition of Waxes on the Hair

[0098] The same experiment as that described in example 1 was conductedin the presence or absence of exogenous fatty acids in the solution tobe deposited on the hair.

[0099] The chromatography profiles show that in the absence of exogenousfatty acids there is no formation of waxes on the hair. Accordingly, theformation of waxes and their remanence on the hair depend on thepresence in the solution used of fatty acid, fatty alcohols andexogenous enzymes.

EXAMPLE 8

[0100] Evaluation of the Cosmetic Modifications by Hair Metrology withthe Mixture of Fatty Alcohols, Fatty Acids and Enzymes

[0101] The comparative evaluation of the cosmetic properties wasperformed on delipidized and non-delipidized locks of hair with themixture of fatty alcohols, fatty acids and enzyme by means of asonometer test. The objective of this test is to quantify the noise frompassing a comb through disentangled hair. This noise may be greater orlesser according to the surface condition of the hair, the quality ofthe ends and the material deposited, even in very small amounts.

[0102] A comb is combined with a microphone. The sound captured by thismicrophone during the passage of the comb through the hair is calibratedby a sonometer whose analogue outlet is connected to a voltageintegrator. The result attached corresponds to the sum of the variousnoises collected in the course of the measurement. Means and standarddeviations of the measured noise: Standard Formulas Mean deviationDelipidized control 1546 158 Delipidized + enzymatic  330 124treatment + acids and alcohols Non-delipidized controls 2101 242Non-delipidized + enzymatic  906 206 treat-ment + acids and alcohols

[0103] It is clearly demonstrated that the treatment with acids+alcoholsand enzyme induces a decrease in the noise generated and hence animprovement in the surface condition of the hair. This effect isobtained both on delipidized natural hair and on non-delipidized naturalhair.

EXAMPLE 9

[0104] Evaluation of the Cosmetic Modifications by Hair Metrology withthe Mixture of Fatty Alcohols, Triglycerides and Enzymes

[0105] The comparative evaluation of the cosmetic properties wasperformed on delipidized and non-delipidized locks of hair with themixture of fatty alcohols, triglycerides and enzymes by means of asonometer test. The objective of this test is to quantify the noise frompassing a comb through disentangled hair. This noise may be greater orlesser according to the surface condition of the hair, the quality ofthe ends and the material deposited, even in very small amounts.

[0106] A comb is combined with a microphone. The sound captured by thismicrophone during the passage of the comb through the hair is calibratedby a sonometer whose analogue outlet is connected to a voltageintegrator. The result attached corresponds to the sum of the variousnoises collected in the course of the measurement. Means and standarddeviations of the measured noise: Standard Formulas Mean deviationDelipidized control 1546 158 Delipidized + enzymatic  243 103treatment + oils and alcohols Non-delipidized controls 2101 242Non-delipidized + enzymatic 1500 249 treat-ment + oils and alcohols

[0107] It is clearly demonstrated that the treatment with oils(triglycerides)+alcohols and enzyme induces a decrease in the noisegenerated and hence an improvement of the surface condition of the hair.It is important to note that this effect is obtained both on delipidizednatural hair and on non-delipidized natural hair.

1. Cosmetic composition comprising: a) at least one alcohol of formulaR₁—OH, in which R₁ is an optionally substituted, saturated orunsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₂ alkyl group with or withoutpolyethoxylation, b) at least one acid of general formula R₂—COOH, inwhich R₂ is an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated, linearor branched C₃ to C₃₁ alkyl group, with the number of carbons in (R₁+R₂)8, or at least one triglyceride, and c) at least one exogenous enzymecapable of inducing esterification.
 2. Cosmetic composition according toclaim 1, comprising: a) at least one alcohol of formula R₁—OH, in whichR₁ is an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear orbranched C₃ to C₃₂ alkyl group with or without polyethoxylation, b) atleast one acid of general formula R₂—COOH, in which R₂ is an optionallysubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₁alkyl group, with the number of carbons in (R₁+R₂) 8, and c) at leastone exogenous enzyme capable of inducing esterification.
 3. Cosmeticcomposition according to claim 1, comprising: a) at least one alcohol offormula R₁—OH, in which R₁ is an optionally substituted, saturated orunsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₂ alkyl group with or withoutpolyethoxylation, b) at least one triglyceride, and c) at least oneexogenous enzyme capable of inducing esterification.
 4. Cosmeticcomposition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe enzymes are selected from lipases, esterases and proteases. 5.Cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4,characterized in that the enzymes may be in free form or immobilized ona support.
 6. Cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to5, characterized in that the enzymes are immobilized on a support. 7.Cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6,characterized in that the amount of enzymes is between 0.0001 and 50% byweight relative to the mixture by weight of alcohols and acids or ofalcohols and triglycerides.
 8. Cosmetic composition according to any oneof claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the amount of enzymes is between0.1 and 20% by weight relative to the mixture by weight of alcohols andacids or of alcohols and triglycerides.
 9. Cosmetic compositionaccording to any one of claims 1 to 2 and 4 to 8, characterized in thatthe proportion of acids may vary between 1 and 99% relative to themixture by weight of acids and alcohols.
 10. Cosmetic compositionaccording to any one of claims 1 to 2 and 4 to 8, characterized in thatthe proportion of acids may vary between 30 and 70% relative to themixture by weight of acids and alcohols.
 11. Cosmetic compositionaccording to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, characterized in that theproportion of triglycerides may vary between 1 and 99% relative to themixture by weight of acids and alcohols.
 12. Cosmetic compositionaccording to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, characterized in that theproportion of triglycerides may vary between 30 and 70% relative to themixture by weight of acids and alcohols.
 13. Cosmetic compositionaccording to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that theproportion of alcohols may vary between 1 and 99% relative to themixture by weight of acids and alcohols.
 14. Cosmetic compositionaccording to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that theproportion of alcohols may vary between 30 and 70% relative to themixture by weight of acids and alcohols.
 15. Cosmetic compositionaccording to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising adjuvants selectedfrom carbonic oils, silicone oils, fluoro oils, gelling agents,thickeners, emollients, softeners, antioxidants, opacifiers,stabilizers, ionic, non-ionic or amphoteric polymers, vitamins,perfumes, preservatives, dyes, pigments or any other adjuvant which iscommonly used in cosmetology and is compatible with the enzyme orenzymes that are used.
 16. Cosmetic composition according to any one ofclaims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is in the form of a gel, creamor lotion.
 17. Device comprising a plurality of compartments,characterized in that it includes at least two compartments eachcontaining one or two of the following components: one or more alcoholsof formula R₁—OH in which R₁ is an optionally substituted, saturated orunsaturated, linear or branched C₃ to C₃₂ alkyl group with or withoutpolyethoxylation, one or more acids of general formula R₂—COOH in whichR₂ is an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear orbranched C₃ to C₃₁ alkyl group, with the number of carbons in (R₁+R₂) 8,or one or more triglycerides, one or more exogenous enzymes capable ofinducing esterification, the entirety of the device comprising at leastone alcohol, an acid or a triglyceride and an enzyme.
 18. Use of acomposition according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to impart a soft andshiny appearance to the hair fibre.
 19. Method of cosmetically treatingthe hair to impart a soft and shiny appearance to the hair fibre,consisting in mixing on the hair the elements of the device according toclaim 17 and then immediately applying the resulting composition to thekeratin fibres, leaving it to act for from 1 to 60 minutes at atemperature between 20° C. and 65° C., and optionally carrying outrinsing with water.
 20. Method of cosmetically conditioning the hairaccording to claim 19, wherein the temperature is between 30° C. and 65°C.
 21. Method according to one of claims 19 and 20, characterized inthat the treatment which allows the soft and shiny appearance to beimparted comprises an in situ enzymatic reaction.